Magnesium borohydride and its derivatives as magnesium ion transfer media

ABSTRACT

An anhydrous electrolyte for a magnesium battery. The anhydrous electrolyte includes a magnesium salt having the formula Mg(BH 4 ) 2 . The electrolyte also includes a solvent, the magnesium salt dissociating in the solvent. Various solvents including aprotic solvents and molten salts such as ionic liquids may be utilized. The magnesium salt dissociates in the solvent to Mg electroactive species BH 4   −  and Mg 2+ .

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/839,003 filed Mar. 15, 2013, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 13/720,522 filed Dec. 19, 2012, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/678,672, filed Aug. 2, 2012, the entire contents of all are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to electrolytes and more particularly to electrolytes for magnesium batteries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, have numerous commercial applications. Capacity density is an important characteristic, and higher capacity densities are desirable for a variety of applications.

A magnesium ion in a magnesium or magnesium-ion battery carries two electrical charges, in contrast to the single charge of a lithium ion. Improved electrolyte materials would be very useful in order to develop high capacity density batteries.

Current state of the art electrolytes for magnesium batteries may use organomagnesium salts and complexes as they are the only ones known to be compatible with an Mg anode allowing for reversible electrochemical Mg deposition and stripping. However, such materials may be corrosive and may be difficult to utilize in a battery. Conventional inorganic and ionic salts such as Mg(ClO₄)₂ may be incompatible with the Mg anode due to the formation of an ion-blocking layer formed by their electrochemical reduction.

There is therefore a need in the art for an improved electrolyte that solves the problems of the prior art and provides a stable rechargeable Mg battery system. There is a further need in the art for an electrolyte that allows reversible Mg deposition and stripping in a chloride-free inorganic salt. There is also a need in the art for an improved battery having increased current densities and high coulombic efficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, there is disclosed an anhydrous electrolyte for a magnesium battery. The electrolyte includes a magnesium salt having the formula Mg(BH₄)₂. The electrolyte also includes a solvent, the magnesium salt dissociating in the solvent. Various solvents including aprotic solvents and molten salts such as ionic liquids may be utilized. The magnesium salt dissociates in the solvent to Mg electroactive species BH₄ ⁻ and Mg²⁺.

In another aspect, there is disclosed a magnesium battery that includes a magnesium metal containing anode. The battery also includes an electrolyte including a magnesium salt having the formula: Mg(BH₄)₂. The electrolyte also includes a solvent, the magnesium salt dissociating in the solvent. Various solvents including aprotic solvents and molten salts such as ionic liquids may be utilized. The magnesium salt dissociates in the solvent to Mg electroactive species BH₄ ⁻ and Mg²⁺. The battery also includes a cathode separated from the anode. Magnesium cations are reversibly stripped and deposited between the anode and cathode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of 0.5 M Mg(BH₄)₂/THF showing a) Cyclic voltammetry (8 cycles) with the inset showing deposition/stripping charge balance (3^(rd) cycle) b) XRD results following galvanostatic deposition of Mg on a Pt working electrode, c) Cyclic voltammetry for 0.1 M Mg(BH₄)₂/DME compared to 0.5 M Mg(BH₄)₂/THF with the inset showing deposition/stripping charge balance for Mg(BH₄)₂/DME;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of Mg(BH₄)₂ in THF and DME: a) IR Spectra, b) ¹¹B NMR, and c) ¹H NMR;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of LiBH₄ (0.6 M)/Mg(BH₄)₂ (0.18 M) in DME: a) cyclic voltammetry with the inset showing deposition/stripping charge balance, b) XRD results following galvanostatic deposition of Mg on a Pt disk and c) IR spectra (|indicates band maxima for Mg(BH₄)₂/DME);

FIG. 4 is a diagram of Charge/discharge profiles with Mg anode/Chevrel phase cathode for 3.3:1 molar LiBH₄/Mg(BH₄)₂ in DME;

FIG. 5 is a NMR scan of a compound of the formula MgB_(x)H_(y), where x=11-12 and y=11-12;

FIG. 6 is a plot of the Current density as a function of Potential for a compound of the formula MgB_(x)H_(y), where x=11-12 and y=11-12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

There is disclosed a novel electrolyte for an Mg battery. The novel electrolyte allows electrochemical reversible Mg deposition and stripping in a halide-free inorganic salt.

In a first aspect the novel electrolyte may include a magnesium salt having the formula Mg(BX₄)₂ where X is selected from H, F and O-alkyl. The magnesium salt is dissolved in the solvent. Various solvents including aprotic solvents and molten salts such as ionic liquids may be utilized. Aprotic solvents may include, for example solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethoxyethane (DME). Other examples of aprotic solvents include: dioxane, triethyl amine, diisopropyl ether, diethyl ether, t-butyl methyl ether (MTBE), 1,2-dimethoxyethane (glyme), 2-methoxyethyl ether (diglyme), tetraglyme, and polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether.

In one aspect, the magnesium salt may have a molarity of from 0.01 to 4 molar.

The electrolyte may further include a chelating agent. Various chelating agents including glymes and crown ethers may be utilized. The chelating agent may be included to increase the current and lower the over-potential of a battery that includes the electrolyte.

The electrolyte may further include acidic cation additives increasing the current density and providing a high coulombic efficiency. Examples of acidic cation additives include lithium borohydride, sodium borohydride and potassium borohydride. The acidic cation additives may be present in an amount of up to five times the amount in relation to Mg(BX₄)₂.

In another aspect the novel electrolyte may include a magnesium salt having the formula a magnesium salt having the formula Mg(B_(X)H_(y))_(z) where X=3-12, y=8-12 and z=1-2. The magnesium salt is dissolved in the solvent. Various solvents including aprotic solvents and molten salts such as ionic liquids may be utilized. Aprotic solvents may include, for example solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethoxyethane (DME). In one aspect, the magnesium salt may have a molarity of from 0.01 to 4 molar.

The electrolyte may further include a chelating agent. Various chelating agents including monoglyme may be utilized. The chelating agent may be included to increase the current and lower the over-potential of a battery that includes the electrolyte.

The electrolyte may further include acidic cation additives increasing the current density and providing a high coulombic efficiency. Examples of acidic cation additives include lithium borohydride, sodium borohydride and potassium borohydride. The acidic cation additives may be present in an amount of up to five times the amount in relation to Mg(B_(x)H_(y))_(z).

In a further aspect, there is disclosed a magnesium battery that includes a magnesium metal containing anode, an electrolyte of either the formula: Mg(B_(x)H_(y))_(z) where X=3-12, y=8-12 and z=1-2 or Mg(BX₄)₂ where X is selected from H, F and O-alkyl and a cathode. The electrolyte may also include the chelating agents and acidic cation additives as described above.

The anode may include magnesium metal anodes. The cathode may include various materials that show an electrochemical reaction at a higher electrode potential than the anode. Examples of cathode materials include transition metal oxides, sulfides, fluorides, chlorides or sulphur and Chevrel phase materials such as Mo₆S₈. The battery includes magnesium cations that are reversibly stripped and deposited between the anode and cathode.

In one aspect, magnesium boron based compounds having the formula MgB_(x)H_(y), where x=11-12 and y=11-12 may be utilized to provide an improved stability towards electrochemical oxidation so that electrolytes may be utilized with high voltage cathodes such as Mn02. In another aspect, a mixture of compounds having the formula MgB_(x)H_(y), where x=11-12 and y=11-12 may be utilized.

Prior art attempts to synthesize MgB₁₂H₁₂ were conducted in aqueous media and have resulted in the formation of MgB₁₂H₁₂.H20 with water strongly coordinated to the compound. Attempts to remove H20 have been problematic as outlined in the prior art. For example, (Chen, X.; Lingam, H. K.; Huang, Z.; Yisgedu, T.; Zhao, J.-C.; Shore, S. G. Thermal Decomposition Behavior of Hydrated Magnesium Dodecahydrododecaborates. J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2010, 1, 201-204) documented the difficulty in removing H2O from the compounds.

For use as an electrolyte in an Mg battery, compounds of the formula MgB_(x)H_(y), where x=11-12 and y=11-12 should be free of H2O or water. In one aspect, MgB₁₂H₁₂, that is water free may be synthesized in aprotic media that results in the formation of water free compounds of the formula MgB_(x)H_(y), where x=11-12 and y=11-12.

EXAMPLES

Magnesium borohydride (Mg(BH₄)₂, 95%), lithium borohydride (LiBH₄, 90%), anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethoxyethane (DME) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. The various components were mixed to provide the specified molar electrolyte solutions. Cyclic voltammetry testing was conducted in a three-electrode cell with an Mg wire/ribbon as reference/counter electrodes. The electrochemical testing was conducted in an argon filled glove box with O₂ and H₂O amounts kept below 0.1 ppm.

Mg(BH₄)₂ in THF

Mg deposition and stripping was performed for Mg(BH₄)₂ in ether solvents. FIG. 1a shows the cyclic voltammogram obtained for 0.5 M Mg(BH₄)₂/THF where a reversible reduction/oxidation process took place with onsets at −0.6 V/0.2 V and a 40% coulombic efficiency, as shown in FIG. 1a inset, indicating reversible Mg deposition and stripping. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the deposited product following galvanostatic reduction from the above solution as shown in FIG. 1b denotes that the deposited product is hexagonal Mg. The deposition of the hexagonal magnesium demonstrates the compatibility of the electrolyte, Mg(BH₄)₂ with Mg metal. The electrochemical oxidative stabilities measured on platinum, stainless steel and glassy carbon electrodes were 1.7, 2.2 and 2.3 V, respectively. These results denote that Mg(BH₄)₂ is electrochemically active in THF such that ionic conduction and reversible magnesium deposition and stripping utilizing the electrolyte occurs.

Mg(BH₄)₂ in DME

In addition to ether solvents, another solvent, dimethoxyethane (DME) having a higher boiling temperature than THF was utilized. The cyclic voltammogram obtained for 0.1 M Mg(BH₄)₂/DME is shown in FIG. 1c . As can be seen in the Figure, there is an improvement in the electrochemical performance compared to Mg(BH₄)₂/THF. As seen in the Figure, there is a 10 fold increase in the current density and a reduction in the overpotential for deposition/stripping onsets at −0.34 V/0.03 V vs. −0.6 V/0.2 V in THF). Additionally, the DME solvent based electrolyte demonstrated a higher coulombic efficiency at 67% in comparison to 40% in THF. These findings indicate the presence of Mg electroactive species in higher concentration and mobility in DME despite the lower solubility of Mg(BH₄)₂ in DME versus THF.

IR and NMR spectroscopic analyses as shown in FIG. 2 were conducted for 0.5 M Mg(BH₄)₂/THF and 0.1 M Mg(BH₄)₂/DME to characterize the magnesium electroactive species. The IR B—H stretching region (2000-2500 cm⁻¹) reveals two strong widely separated vibrations (Mg(BH₄)₂/THF: 2379 cm⁻¹, 2176 cm⁻¹ and Mg(BH₄)₂/DME: 2372 cm⁻¹, 2175 cm⁻¹). The spectra for 0.1M DME and 0.5 M in THF are similar. The spectra are similar to covalent borohydrides and for Mg(BH₄)₂ solvates from THF and diethyl ether where 2 hydrogen atoms in BH₄ ⁻ are bridge bonded to 1 metal atom (μ₂ ¹ bonding). Therefore, we assigned the bands at the higher and lower B—H frequencies to terminal B—H_(t) and bridging B—H_(b) vibrations, respectively. The band and shoulder at 2304 and 2240 cm⁻¹ were assigned to asymmetric B—H_(t) and B—H_(b) vibrations, respectively. It is suggested that Mg(BH₄)₂ is present as the contact ion pair Mg(μ₂ ¹—H₂—BH₂)₂ which partially dissociates into Mg(μ₂ ¹—H₂—BH₂)⁺ and BH₄ ⁻ as in reaction (1). In one aspect, since the B—H peaks are likely overlapping, it is not possible to distinguish all the species. Mg(μ₂ ¹—H₂—BH₂)₂⇄Mg(μ₂ ¹—H₂—BH₂)⁺+BH₄ ⁻  (1)

Where Mg(μ₂ ¹—H₂—BH₂)⁺ may further dissociate: Mg(μ₂ ¹—H₂—BH₂)⁺⇄Mg²⁺+BH₄ ⁻  (2)

For Mg(BH₄)₂/DME, while the main features present in THF were retained, νB—H_(t) broadening and shifting to lower values accompanied with relative weakening of νB—H_(b) intensity was observed. While νB—H_(t) broadening suggests a more pronounced presence of some species relative to that in THF, the band maximum shift indicates a more ionic B—H bond. The νB—H_(t) shift is similar to those resulting from an enhanced BH₄ ⁻ iconicity, such as in stabilized covalent borohydrides. In addition, the relative weakening in νB—H_(b) intensity suggests a more pronounced presence of free BH₄ ⁻ anion. The NMR results for BH₄ ⁻ in DME, as shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c , display an increased boron shielding by about 0.5 ppm as denoted by the center position of quintet in ¹¹B NMR and slightly reduced proton shielding by about 0.01 ppm, as denoted by the quartet in ¹H NMR consistent with a higher B—H bond ionicity compared to that in THF. These results are evidence of weaker interactions between Mg²⁺ and BH₄ ⁻ within the ion pair and an enhanced dissociation in DME per reactions (1) and (2). So despite the fact that DME has a slightly lower dielectric constant (7.2) compared to THF (7.4), its chelation properties due to the presence of two oxygen sites per molecule resulted in an enhanced dissociation and thus an improved electrochemical performance.

Mg(BH₄)₂ and LiBH₄ in DME

As recited above, the electrolyte may include an acidic cation additive. In one aspect, the acidic cation additive may include the following characteristics: 1) a reductive stability comparable to Mg(BH₄)₂, 2) non-reactive, 3) halide free and 4) soluble in DME. One such material that includes these properties is LiBH₄. Mg deposition and stripping was performed in DME using various molar ratios of LiBH₄ to Mg(BH₄)₂. As shown in FIG. 3a cyclic voltammetry data was obtained for 3.3:1 molar LiBH₄ to Mg(BH₄)₂. Including the LiBH₄ material in the electrolyte increased by 2 orders of magnitude the current density as denoted by the oxidation peak current Jp=26 mA cm⁻². Additionally, the electrolyte had a higher coulombic efficiency of up to 94%.

Referring to FIG. 3b , the deposition and stripping currents are displayed for magnesium based on the absence of Li following galvanostatic deposition and also the lack of electrochemical activity in LiBH₄/DME solution. Enhanced BH₄ ⁻ ionicity as shown in FIG. 3c displayed as lower νB—H_(t) and higher νB—H_(b) values were obtained. The enhanced properties indicate that the acidic cation additive increases Mg(BH₄)₂ dissociation as indicated by the B—H bands for LiBH₄/DME which occur at lower values.

Magnesium Battery with Mg Anode, Chevrel Phase Cathode and Mg(BH₄)₂ and LiBH₄ in DME

A magnesium battery was tested using an electrolyte for 3.3:1 molar LiBH₄ to Mg(BH₄)₂. The cathode of the test battery included a cathode active material having a Chevrel phase Mo₆S₈. The anode for the test battery included an Mg metal anode. Referring to FIG. 4, the test battery demonstrated reversible cycling capabilities at a 128.8 mA g⁻¹ rate. As can be seen in the Figure, the charge and discharge curves indicate reversible cycling of a magnesium ion.

Synthesis of MgB_(x)H_(y), where x=11-12 and y=11-12

A mixture of 5.0 g (0.0409 mol) decaborane (B₁₀H₁₄) and 2.43 g (0.0450 mol, 1.1 eq.) magnesium borohydride (Mg(BH₄)₂) is prepared in a 100 ml Schlenk flask inside an argon filled glovebox. The flask is transferred from the glovebox to a nitrogen Schlenk-line and fitted with a reflux condenser. To this is added 50 ml Diglyme (C₆H₁₄O₃) via cannula transfer. Upon solvent addition, vigorous gas evolution begins, and a yellow homogeneous solution is formed. When gas evolution has ceased, the mixture is slowly heated to reflux using a silicon oil bath. As the temperature of the mixture increases, vigorous gas evolution begins again, and is maintained for approximately one hour. The mixture is held at reflux for 5 days before being allowed to cool to room temperature. Following cooling, the solvent is removed under vacuum to give a pale yellow solid. The crude product obtained at this stage may be purified by dissolving in a minimal amount of hot (120 C) DMF. The resulting solution is allowed to cool to room temperature, and a colorless precipitate is observed which is isolated by filtration.

The product obtained as outlined above was analyzed using an NMR scan. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the NMR results confirm the successful synthesis of MgB₁₂H₁₂. As can be seen in the Figure, the product as synthesized shows the 11B Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of B₁₁H₁₁ and B₁₂H₁₂ in both the crude product and in the filtered product.

The product as synthesized was subjected to electrochemical testing. The electrochemical testing procedure included cyclic voltammetry collected using a 3-electrode cell in which the working electrode was platinum and both the counter and reference electrodes were magnesium. A plot of the electrochemical testing data is shown in FIG. 6 as a plot of the current density as a function of the Potential. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the synthesized product is stable against both electrochemical reduction (>−2 V vs. Mg) and oxidation (>3 V vs. Mg). The synthesized compound will allow a magnesium battery utilizing the synthesized compound as an electrolyte to operate at a high voltage necessary to achieve sufficient energy density for use in numerous applications such as in automotive applications.

The invention is not restricted to the illustrative examples described above. Examples described are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes therein, other combinations of elements, and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An anhydrous electrolyte for a magnesium battery comprising: a magnesium salt having the formula: Mg(BH₄)₂; and a solvent, the magnesium salt dissociating in said solvent to Mg electroactive species BH₄ ⁻ and Mg²⁺.
 2. The anhydrous electrolyte of claim 1 wherein the solvent is an aprotic solvent.
 3. The anhydrous electrolyte of claim 2 wherein the aprotic solvent is selected from: tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethoxyethane (DME).
 4. The anhydrous electrolyte of claim 1 wherein the solvent is an ionic liquid.
 5. The anhydrous electrolyte of claim 1 wherein the magnesium salt has a molarity of from .01 to 4 molar.
 6. The anhydrous electrolyte of claim 1 further including a chelating agent selected from monoglyme, diglyme, tetraglyme and crown ethers.
 7. The anhydrous electrolyte of claim 1 further including an acidic cation additive selected from: lithium borohydride, sodium borohydride and potassium borohydride.
 8. A magnesium battery comprising: a magnesium metal containing anode; an anhydrous electrolyte including a magnesium salt having the formula: Mg(BH₄)₂; and a solvent, the magnesium salt dissociating in said solvent to Mg electroactive species BH₄ ⁻ and Mg²⁺; a cathode; and wherein magnesium cations are reversibly stripped and deposited between the anode and cathode.
 9. The magnesium battery of claim 8 wherein the solvent is an aprotic solvent.
 10. The magnesium battery of claim 9 wherein the aprotic solvent is selected from: tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethoxyethane (DME).
 11. The magnesium battery of claim 8 wherein the solvent is an ionic liquid.
 12. The magnesium battery of claim 8 wherein the magnesium salt has a molarity of from .01 to 4 molar.
 13. The magnesium battery of claim 8 further including a chelating agent selected from monoglyme, diglyme, tetraglyme and crown ethers.
 14. The magnesium battery of claim 8 further including an acidic cation additive selected from: lithium borohydride, sodium borohydride and potassium borohydride. 